Gabby the Giraffe Learns to Go, Not Yell - A Children's Story

Gabby the Giraffe Learns to Go, Not Yell

By Bill Conley – America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral of the Story

Ali the Alligator is more than a wife, mother, and friend—she is the steady hand that keeps her family’s life moving smoothly. She makes sure her children are where they need to be, on time and cared for. She is genuine and kind, always welcoming others with warmth and grace. She brings peace into her home and joy into her community. Her love for her husband and children is constant and unwavering. Her faith is strong and visible in the way she lives every day. Ali shows that true greatness is not in seeking attention, but in quietly giving, serving, and loving. Everyone who knows her is better for it, because she is a gift from God.

In the warm savannah of Sunshine Grove, lived a tall young giraffe named Gabby. Gabby had the longest legs in the whole glade and a voice that echoed like thunder across the golden grass.

Every morning, Gabby would wake up, stretch her long neck toward the treetops, and immediately shout,
“Mooooom! Where’s my breakfast?”

Or,
“Daaaaad! Can you bring me my book?”

Her voice boomed through the trees, past the nests of the birds, past the watering hole, and even startled old Marvin the Monkey who was usually hard of hearing.

Gabby’s parents, Grace and Gilbert, were kind and patient, but they were also tired of the constant shouting.

“Gabby,” her mom would say gently, “if you need something, use your legs, sweetheart. You’re tall enough and fast enough to come to us.”

“But it’s easier to call you!” Gabby replied with a giggle.

“But it’s not respectful,” her dad added with a frown. “And it teaches you to expect others to serve you instead of doing things yourself.”

Gabby would nod, but the very next day it was the same.

“Moooom! Where’s my scarf?”
“Daaaad! Can you bring me water?”

The zebra neighbors started calling her “Yellin’ Gabby,” and even the meerkats rolled their eyes when they heard her voice across the savannah.

One afternoon, Gabby was invited to spend the day at her cousin Gia’s treehouse. Gia lived across the glade, and she had rules in her home. Gia’s parents believed in quiet voices, helpful hooves, and using words kindly and face-to-face.

When Gabby stepped inside, she immediately shouted,
“Aunt Gigi! Where are the snacks?”

Aunt Gigi peeked out from the upper level of the treehouse and said sweetly, “Gabby dear, if you’d like to ask me something, please come up and ask me directly.”

Gabby blinked. That was new. But she climbed the winding ramp to the top of the treehouse and asked,
“Do we have snacks?”

Aunt Gigi smiled. “We sure do. Thank you for asking so nicely.”

Gabby began to notice something that day. No one else was yelling. Everyone just got up, walked over, and spoke kindly and calmly. When someone wanted something, they helped themselves or asked politely in person.

Even her cousin Gia, who was smaller than her, walked over to her mom instead of hollering across the room.

By sunset, Gabby felt a little embarrassed about how she usually acted at home.

The next morning, Gabby decided to try something new. When she woke up, she tiptoed down the stairs, walked all the way to the garden, and gently asked,
“Mom, can I help set the table?”

Her mom almost dropped her cup of tea in surprise.

“Why yes, Gabby! That would be lovely!”

Then Gabby walked over to her dad and said,
“Dad, would you like me to bring the water today?”

Her dad’s eyes widened. “Wow, who are you and what did you do with my daughter?”

Gabby laughed. “I learned that walking to someone and asking kindly shows respect. And if I want something, I should do it myself or come talk in person—not yell.”

From that day on, the savannah was a quieter, happier place. The birds sang more freely without being startled. The zebras stopped calling her “Yellin’ Gabby.” And old Marvin the Monkey was finally able to nap in peace.

Gabby still used her big, beautiful voice—when she was playing, singing, or calling out cheerfully to friends. But when it came to needing something, asking a question, or sharing an idea—she used her legs and her heart, not just her mouth.

Moral of the story poem:

If you need a drink or snack,
Or want your mom to scratch your back,
Don’t just shout and sit and wait—
That’s not polite, it’s not so great.
Stand up tall, walk with grace,
And speak with love face-to-face.

Thoughtful Questions for Kids and Parents:

1.     What do you usually do when you want your parent’s attention? Could you try something different?

2.     How does it feel when someone yells your name over and over?

3.     Why is it important to show respect through your actions—not just your words?